Gąsienicowa Hall

A trip to Hala Gąsienicowa – true Mecca for rookie mountaineers – must be classified as one of the more serious departures. On relatively short distance we cross many height differences, which can become tiresome for unexperienced tourists.

We begin our trip in Kuźnice, where we can get by foot, cab or bus. There are entry restrictions for parking on Przewodników Tatrzańskich Avenue, a driveway to Kuźnice. It does not include bus and taxi though. .

A start of blue trail, leading to Gąsienicowa Hall, is located in Kuźnice, right after Bystra stream bridge. Before we depart, we have to buy a TPN territory entry ticket. After the formalities we direct ourselves forward, on slowly ascending, rocky road. For around 15 minutes we go along the green trail, leading through Nosalowa Pass to Nosal. Next, Gąsienicowa Hall path cuts right sharply. We go down bushy, spruce forest, overgrowing Nieborak, and then Boczań slopes. The forest spans until Skupnie Upłaz region, which casts a vast view on Beskids, Spisko-Gubałowskie Highlands, Tatra surroundings and Olczyska Valley region, located at the feet of Skupniów Upłaz, including a towering Kopieńce. After around 1 hour and 30 minutes from the start in Kuźnice we arrive at a Pass between Kopy. An alternative trail leading there (yellow signs) is also available, connecting the pass with Kuźnice as well, through Jaworzynka Valley. This is actually a quite popular resting site (wooden benches, wide view on Giewont). From here on, our path slightly ascends towards Królowa Rówień, and then leads sharply downward (the trail is fortified by wooden beams here). From Pass between Kopy we get a view of peaks that surround Gąsienicowa Hall (i.a. Kościelec, Świnica, Żółta Turnia, Granaty). Before we get to Murowaniec shelter on Gąsienicowa Hall, on the left side we see wooden forester's lodge – Księżówka. Next, on the right side, we notice the famous Betlejemka, which belongs to Polish Alpine Assiciation. Far away, on the right side as well, we see Institute of Meteorology and Water Management Station objects. Nearly opposite Betlejemka, right next to the trail we witness antique hut. There follows another trail branching: black signs, passing the shleter, lead us to one of the main Tatra ridge's region. If we want to get to Murowaniec though, we have to stick to the blue trail, which should lead us to destination around 2 hours after departing from Kuźnice.